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Princeton University receives state environmental award

by the Office of Communications

Jan. 29, 2013 1:11 p.m.

Princeton University has been recognized by the state of New Jersey for the University's ongoing sustainability efforts, in particular its work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy across campus.

The annual Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards, which were announced at a ceremony in Trenton on Jan. 28, recognize environmental, academic, business, science and civic leaders from across New Jersey for protecting and enhancing the state's environment. Princeton was one of 11 winners this year, taking honors in the clean air category.

The state recognized the University for a number of initiatives, including the installation of heat recovery technology in the University's cogeneration plant and the construction of a 5.3-megawatt solar collector field on 27 acres in nearby West Windsor Township. Also recognized were: Princeton's aggressive campus design standards for new buildings, which include sustainability guidelines and energy-savings targets; the reduction of the number of vehicles used to commute to campus; and the completion of a six-month audit to implement 170 energy-saving projects across campus.

In 2008, Princeton adopted a comprehensive Sustainability Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy conservation, and provide opportunities for research, education and civic engagement. The University's goal is to reduce campus emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, despite the increase in the number of buildings on campus.

The Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards are sponsored by the Office of Governor Chris Christie, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.